What is Fire Cider Really | How to Make
What is Fire Cider Really | How to Make
Raise your hand if you’ve heard of fire cider? Honestly I was introduced to this concept briefly a few times over the years, but I hadn’t really explored it until my recent herbal studies! This is such a spicy and special recipe to the herbal community that I can’t wait to share how to make with you.
This recipe can be a reminder that the simple things make a difference, and the challenges we face are part of a bigger picture. Oxymels have been used for long enough to where they were referenced by Hippocrates sometimes around 400 B.C, Oxymel is referring to combining vinegar a honey. Vinegar acts as a solvent and works to extract and adding honey is great for preserving. Using local honey is said to have better benefits due to the certain pollen and allergens, etc. Rosemary Gladstar is often associated with our Fire Cider because she originally taught the recipe in the 70’s and 80’s. Rosemary faced a legal battle when another company tried to trademark the name, which was soon follow by another company attempting to trademark another common vinegar based herbal remedies. Thankfully the battle was won by herbalists, and Fire Cider is here for us to share freely!
This is a huge achievement that should absolutely be acknowledged! Many traditional recipes like Oxymels, Four Thieves Vinegar Blend (updated version), Honeygar, and Fire cider all tell stories of their own. To the Greeks, vinegar was thought to balance the humors. Dr. D.C Jarvis formulated his own version which is referred to as cyclone cider and even honeygar although not fully accurate since it contained more ingredients. It is a highly adaptable recipe with a very simple and strong base: Vinegar and Honey. Try adding different herbs for different seasons and nourish your needs.
Why You will love this recipe
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV)-> Vinegar in general has been a long known remedy. Apple cider vinegar is full of probiotics if it containing the mother. It is considered anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. These properties can be beneficial in cleaning and in preservation. It also can be found in some toner blends or recipes due to balancing nature is has on skin pH levels. Some say it even helps with acid reflux, but it is important in all cases to dilute it to prevent irritations.
HONEY (Local Preferred)-> Honey is another long used remedy. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties just like vinegar. It has been used in wound healing and can be helpful for tissue repair.
AROMATIC/ANTIMICROBIAL HERBS (Local Preferred)-> Thyme, Anise, Rosemary, Oregano, Bee Balm, Cloves, Ginger, Orange Peel: just to name a few aromatic suggestions. The suggestion is aromatic and antimicrobial, but truly you can make this so many different ways! Horse Radish Root is very sinus clearing as I am sure you know, it also contains Vitamin C and is considered Anti-bacterial like many of our other ingredients.
IMMUNE BOOSTING PRODUCE (Local Preferred)-> Peppers are high in vitamin C and may have some pain relieving properties in certain applications. Black Pepper contains peperine and improves nutrient absorption. Garlic is full of allacin and also anti-inflammatory. Onion is rich in quercetin which can be anti-inflammatory in some people.
Fire Cider is a truly unique and delicious recipe. It isn’t for everyone as some of the ingredients can be quite stimulating or warming, but it is a great representation of “Let thy food be thy medicine.” Food is such a backbone to our health, and being able to get the most out of our food and get creative with it is so important in our world today.
* All recipes and ideas shared here are for educational and informational purposes. Everyone’s body is different, so use what feels right for you and seek professional guidance when needed.
Ingredients & Suggestions
<Herbs to Try>
Thyme
Rosemary
Ginger Root
Cayenne
Raspberry Leaf
Nettles
Astragalus Root
Orange or Lemon Peel
<Produce>
Onion (Red or White)
Pepper of Choice (I did Poblano and Anaheim because I don’t enjoy super spicy)
Garlic Cloves
Citrus
<Base>
Apple Cider Vinegar
Honey
Welcome!
Hey, I’m Brit. I help you blend the comfort of the kitchen with the care of the apothecary.
making Your Own Fire Cider
You’ll need:
Clean Jar
Parchment paper/something to prevent corrosion on lid.
Label
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Honey (Local)
Herbs (fresh or dried: aromatic and antimicrobial)
Produce: Citrus Slices, Peppers, Garlic, Onion, Etc.
Instructions
(1) Clean jar and ingredients.
(2) Prepare all ingredients: Chop up onion (struggle as you squint through the tears and do not cut yourself), separate garlic cloves, slice peppers and citrus. I did not add citrus slices to mine since I was using smaller jars and juice/peel so as I keep mentioned, please play around!
(3) Fill your jar about 1/4 of a way full with your dried herb or plant based materials. Add in your sprigs to fill it a tad fuller.
(4) Add in your produce which should get you to about halfway or so, if using dried ingredients it may be less due to the nature of the flavor.
(5) Fill with your apple cider vinegar and store in a cool and dark place to infuse for 2-4 weeks before straining.
After straining you can keep this mixture
A note on our ingredients and Recipe
This recipe is very flexible, and can be made to fit your personal preference. There are so many delightful recipes out there to try! Mountain Rose Herbs has some really fun and unique recipes like this Tom Kha Fire Cider by Mason Hutchison or this newer Fire Cider Bouillon Powder by Lauren Peterson and I can’t wait to try both! It is with great thanks and respect to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar for protecting this recipe, and the name Fire Cider: Read more. These vinegar tonics have been are for many years, and shall be around for many more to come.
<TIMING TIPS>
Fire Cider is a wonderful friend to catch up with before the holidays, when school starts, or as allergies sneak up on you. Some enjoy using it daily, even using it on salads or cooked greens. Some might feel pain relieving effects, I personally feel it is best to take short term and cycle this remedy every so many months at least. According to Nicole Apelion in her book The Forgotten Home Apothecary; she suggests taking it daily as a wellness/immunity shot (or however works best for you), using 1 Tbsp up to 3x per day for pain and inflammation.
Other Recipes & Resources
Floral Labels → [Purchase Here]
Apple Cider Vinegar → [Purchase]
Sign-Up for→ ‘Fire Cider Event’
Trusted Source for Herbs → [Purchase Here or Local MN]
Find your Flavor FREE Workbook → [Get Freebie]
Learn how to make Hibiscus of Horror→ [Read More]
My Library → [LinkTree]
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